President hits covid19 'zessers and wessers'

PRESIDENT Paula-Mae Weekes lambasted as “the darkness” those "zessers and wessers" whose congregating during the pandemic had put others at risk of covid19.

She hailed as “the light” the country’s doctors and nurses who risk their own health to save others.

In her Christmas message, she said many people had had grand plans for 2020 but saw the best laid plans go awry and in fact run completely off the road, including Christmas celebrations.

“This year, no church will be ram cram for midnight mass, any house you parang would be the wrong house, and given that many are cash-strapped, we may well come to understand finally the true expression of the adage 'it is the thought that counts.'”

Yet Weekes said Christmas merry-making can be considered a minor casualty of covid19, relative to the other devastating effect of the pandemic, chiefly families plunged into mourning by the unexpected and untimely deaths of their loved ones.

“Many of those who have survived the ravages of the virus may never fully regain their former good health. There are nationals abroad who are longing to come home. “Some of our elderly are lonely and depressed because age and co-morbidities make it dangerous for them to be visited by relatives and friends.”

Weekes lamented that businesses have closed, people lost their jobs and tenants been evicted, with thousands now on the breadline.

“And as if the fallout of covid19 was not bad enough, heinous crimes continue unabated against our women and children even as polarisation and xenophobia run rampant.”

Weekes said in these dark times Christians can use this holy occasion to ponder where in all of this is the Christ-child, and if needs be to seek Him out.

Citing the Gospel of John – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” – she said Christmas is a celebration of light at the darkest time of the year and darkness often serves to make stars shine brighter.

“And so, into the darkness that is the selfish, uncaring and I dare say downright doltish behaviour of those zessers and wessers who cannot do without a fete, a beach lime, or patronising a bar, and who are willing to put others' lives in jeopardy, a light shines brightly.

“It is the light of our frontline healthcare and other essential workers who put their own well-being at risk, with selfless and noble commitment to protecting our lives, as well as those of us who comply with the regulations even if we complain.”

Weekes hailed others also.

“Into the gloom caused by the disruption of our education system, with changes that can leave some children behind, shine the countless teachers who have managed to pivot and now deliver quality education despite the challenges.”

Kind benefactors, both individual and corporate, have also brightened the darkness with their generous donations of devices and connectivity for continued learning.

She said into our dark streets shines the light of sympathetic landlords who had reduced or forgone their monthly due, easing the stress on their tenants who have fallen into arrears for a respite to come to grips with their misfortune.

“Many considerate employers, even while under strain themselves, have been lifesavers to employees that they have kept on in these difficult times.

“These unselfish citizens offer glimmers of hope and blazes of love; they are indeed angels, albeit without wings or harps. A multitude of our citizens practise altruism on a daily basis but their efforts often go unremarked.We are the beneficiaries of their goodwill all year through.”

She said Trinbagonian kindness, charity and compassion explode at Christmas, not only the well-heeled but those who have little, with our giving not limited to the tangible, as we also readily give of our time, our labour, and our service.

“Stripped bare of its usual bells and whistles, Christmas can still be a joyous and peaceful time in which the light of hope radiates. Covid has placed no restriction on decorating our homes, preparing the customary Christmas menu, attending church in person or online, zooming greetings to our family, or exchanging gifts.”

One wonderful gift to give our loved ones and the whole nation doesn't cost a cent.

It is the gift of good health by wearing our masks, washing our hands and social distancing to protect us all.

She said children can teach adults a thing or two.

“Despite being among the most affected by the pandemic, children exemplify resilience, optimism, a sense of wonder, excitement and joy - all important aspects of the Christmas narrative. We would do well to remember the words of Laura Ingalls Wilder, ‘We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.’"